Maybe the situation should be expressed differently. The difference outlined in post is real ie it exists. The question is, does it exist only in the OP's mind (where it isn't much use to anyone else) or does it exist outside his mind (where it may be of value to the rest of us). The stated claim is that it exists outside his mind.

Interesting way to approach it. Yes it obviously exists; or rather it did exist at one time. The OP reported that he heard a difference so it is clear that he experienced a difference in perception.

But we know that perception is based on many factors, only one of which is the air vibrations that are getting in your ear. So the basic question we have is: was that difference that was perceived due to differences in the air vibrations getting in his ear or was it due to other factor(s)?

If erin takes SY's test and gets 8 or 9 out of 10 right, it's a strong case that the differences were indeed due to the sound only.
And then we engineers have a huge problem...

jan

__________________
If you don't change your beliefs, your life will be like this forever. Is that good news? - W. S. Maugham
Check out Linear Audio!